On Feb. 26, Sammie Wayne IV, a graduate of DePaul's College of Computing and Digital Media, won an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Male Lead Role in a 99 Seat Theater for his performance in "No Place to be Somebody."

In describing the play "No Place to be Somebody" on the Robey Theatre Company blog in 2016, Wayne said: "The word that comes to mind when I think of the play is 'raw.' The language is colorful, the subject matter has so many layers, everything from religion to racism to revenge."

Wayne has had a number of roles in the theatre world as an actor on stage and screen, producer, director, booking manager, technical director, lighting director, house manager, light board operator and stage manager. IMDb reports that Wayne is known for his work in Diagnosis Murder (1993), Judging Amy (1999) and A Perfect Pitch (1998).

Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science in 1984 and entered the corporate world before deciding to move to California to pursue his passion in theatre.

Wayne also was a Blue Demon athlete, excelling on the track as one of the early leaders of DePaul's sprint corps.

His sister, Cheryl Wayne, now works in DePaul's Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity.

The NAACP Theatre Awards are presented by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Branch in partnership with the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles City Council President/District 10 Councilman, Herb Wesson Jr. The mission of the Theatre Awards is to entertain, educate, inspire the community and create diversity in the arts and entertainment industry. The prestigious star-studded gala aims to honor the highest achieving persons in the field of dramatic arts.